APC Chieftain Agbakahi Says Party Ready to Welcome Jonathan for 2027 Presidency, Urges Strong Competition from Opposition Leaders

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has signaled it would not shy away from a competitive political battlefield ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. A prominent figure in the party, George Agbakahi, revealed that APC would gladly welcome former President Goodluck Jonathan should he decide to contest.

Speaking during a televised interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Agbakahi, who doubles as the leader of the South East Tinubu’s Support Group, emphasized that the political scene remains unpredictable with about a year and a half before the polls. According to him, politics in Nigeria is a fluid game where major contenders can shift alliances and platforms before the final race begins.

He praised Jonathan as a “good man” and stated that the former leader could choose to contest under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if he wished, but also assured that APC’s doors remain open to him. His remarks extended beyond Jonathan as he also lauded Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s flag bearer in the same election, describing them as capable political figures.

Agbakahi’s comments highlighted APC’s strategy of embracing open competition while projecting confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He noted that the party’s leadership believes Tinubu’s achievements so far would form a strong foundation for their campaign in 2027. This, according to him, is why APC does not fear the prospect of strong challengers from rival parties.

He pointed to various achievements under Tinubu’s leadership, claiming that these have contributed to improving the welfare of Nigerians. Although he acknowledged that much could change before the election season kicks into full gear, he stressed that the APC remains focused and prepared for any political configuration that emerges.

The political terrain, Agbakahi explained, is far from settled. There is still uncertainty over which parties the most notable presidential hopefuls will eventually represent. Jonathan’s possible political home remains unknown, while Peter Obi’s expected return to the Labour Party is yet to be officially confirmed. Atiku Abubakar’s position is also of interest, especially with Agbakahi suggesting that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has effectively become Atiku’s political stronghold, making him the most likely flag bearer for that party if he chooses to run under its banner.

He expressed doubt that any contender could wrestle the ADC ticket away from Atiku, asserting that the former vice president’s influence there is dominant. As for Peter Obi, Agbakahi predicted a probable return to the Labour Party, though he kept the door open for potential shifts.

While discussing the value of a crowded race, Agbakahi described the presence of multiple seasoned candidates as healthy for democracy. He argued that the electorate benefits from having credible options, and the process ensures that the strongest leader emerges through genuine competition.

He further reiterated that APC’s readiness to engage in such a contest stems from its internal stability and organizational strength. According to him, the party remains well-rooted nationwide and will approach 2027 with both a record of governance and a network capable of mobilizing support across diverse regions.

Agbakahi’s remarks underscore a broader narrative within the APC that competition should be welcomed rather than feared. His call for Jonathan, Obi, and Atiku to openly join the race appeared aimed at projecting APC as confident, united, and prepared to face any challenger.

This posture also signals a subtle political maneuver: by publicly inviting respected opposition figures to contest, the APC presents itself as open-minded and non-intimidated, while potentially forcing rival camps to accelerate their internal decision-making ahead of schedule. Such a strategy could unsettle opponents who may still be weighing their political options.

Observers note that the political dynamics in the run-up to 2027 will hinge on a variety of factors including party alliances, electoral reforms, economic conditions, and public perception of the current administration’s performance. For now, however, Agbakahi’s comments have added to the growing conversation around who will step forward to challenge for Nigeria’s highest political office.

Whether Jonathan takes up the call remains to be seen. His political journey since leaving office in 2015 has been marked by widespread respect from various quarters but also by strategic silence on future ambitions. The next months will reveal whether his name will formally re-enter the ballot alongside other high-profile contenders.

For the APC, the confidence displayed by Agbakahi reflects a belief that no matter how the race shapes up, the party can secure victory by leveraging its nationwide influence and the sitting president’s record. Yet, as seasoned political analysts often caution, early confidence in Nigerian politics can quickly shift when campaign season officially begins and alliances start to transform.

By the close of the interview, Agbakahi maintained his firm stance: the more credible contenders in the race, the stronger Nigeria’s democracy will be. Whether this bold invitation will be accepted by the political heavyweights he mentioned will be one of the defining storylines as 2027 draws closer.